Analyst Talk - Megan Cruz - From Burnout to Leadership

Episode: 00315 Released on April 20, 2026 Description:  In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Megan Cruz shares her journey from discovering law enforcement analysis after 9/11 to becoming a crime analyst supervisor with the Richmond Police Department. With 13 years of experience and a Master’s in Homeland Security, Megan reflects on early challenges with confidence, the importance of curiosity in analysis, and how a Newton Swoope helped identify a theft series tied to a drug operation. She also discusses working a complex serial assault case, the impact of burnout during the 2020 civil unrest, and her return to the profession with a renewed sense of purpose. Megan offers insight into leading a rebuilding unit, balancing specialization and generalization, and why analysts must recognize their value in shaping decisions and supporting public safety.
🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]
This episode contains the fan-favorite segment “Don't Be That Analyst”!
Amanda Schenk (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-amanda-schenk-the-successful-applicant/)
Mandy Calley (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-mandy-calley-go-gators/)
Patrick Baldwin (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/patrick-baldwin-snake-bit-by-technology/)
Anthony Bush (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-anthony-bush-jail-calls-rock/)
Cynthia Peterman (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-cynthia-peterman-living-the-analyst-dream/)
Name Drops:  Chris Cruz (00:00:44 https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-christopher-cruz-from-analyst-to-technologist-to-ai-leader/
https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-chris-cruz-the-crowned-jewel-analyst/  ), Dr. Jerry Radcliffe (00:55:59)
Public Service Announcements:
Dr. Eliann Carr on the Crime Analyst Census Survey
Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058
Dr. Andrew Wheeler on his new book:  Large Language Models for Mortals
https://crimede-coder.com/cdcstore/product/large-language-models-for-mortals/
Promo code: LEAPLLM to get $20 off the book purchase
Related Links:
https://www.rva.gov/police
https://vsp.virginia.gov/stay-informed-if-you-know-something-or-see-something-say-something/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jip.1566 

Association(s) Mentioned: 
Vendor(s) Mentioned:
Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-cruz-m-s-88861421b/
Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/cyfj6jmx8uyqucrx/MeganCruz_transcript.pdf
Podcast Writer:
Podcast Researcher:
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00:00:00 Introduction to Megan Cruz
00:02:00 Discovering law enforcement analysis after 9/11
00:06:00 Fusion centers vs real time crime centers explained
00:18:00 Using Newton Swoop to solve a theft series
00:28:00 Working a serial assault case and linking incidents
00:34:00 Burnout during 2020 and stepping away from policing
00:40:00 Returning as a supervisor and rebuilding a unit
00:50:00 Advice for analysts confidence and curiosity
01:04:42 Don’t Be That Analyst
01:16:09 Words to the World